This is an “incredibly important time for higher education and the UMass system,” said a spokesperson for UMass President William Bulger’s Office at the last Student Senate meeting of the academic year.
John T. Hoey, director of communications for the president’s office, stated, “Our view is that if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” He further stated that the UMass system should be used as a model elsewhere.
Governor Mitt Romney’s plan for reorganizing the UMass system, which includes dismantling the President’s Office, is a distraction from the real issue: cuts to higher education, Hoey charged, pointing to documents he had brought with him stating $62 million dollars had been cut over the last two years. Under the House of Representatives’ plan, UMass stands to get cut by $80 million, or 15 percent in state appropriations.
The documents, which were a brief overview of the UMass system’s 2002-2003 budget, also included a list of UMass Central Administration functions. Among them were receiving, banking, and disbursing over $1 billion a year, establishing and monitoring all financial reporting policies for the university, and managing all state budget related activity.
The “back room” services are estimated to save the university $20 million a year, according to Hoey. The cost would be multiplied five times if Romney were to eliminate the President’s Office, he said.
Electrified Elections!
As the May 14 Student Senate meeting marked the final meeting for the Spring Semester, officer elections were held, but not until after this year’s elected senators received a firm round of applause and a certificate of recognition from each other for a job well done.
Director of Student Life Joyce Morgan was recognized for her work with the Student Senate, as well.
Acting President Tuan Pham will be the next President of the Student Government Association, edging out Campus and Community Affairs Chair Fritz Hyppolite for the position by a scant two votes.
“Serving as vice president and as interim president has allowed me to see some great things. I saw our shortfalls, but more importantly, I saw our great advances and future potential,” stated Pham during his nomination speech.
“Let me share with you my vision. My vision is for a student government that will be central to University policy-making,” Pham went on to state. “My vision is for a student government that will be central to significant committees directly impacting the quality of student life on campus.”
“And more importantly, my vision is fundamental; it IS to serve our fellow students.”
President-elect Pham had further words about the Student Senate, as well as the University.
“Our leadership style also has to change. Time has come for negative collegiality to go. In dealing with my fellow members and University officials, I will be direct and frank.
“The bottom line is we have to challenge each other to do a better job. We have to challenge the University to do a better job.”
The position of vice president went to CCA Chair Fritz Hyppolite, who was elected over Senators Jesse Solomon and Bryan Smith.
Reuben Urmeneta, Jr. will be the next Budget and Finance Committee Chair, edging out Senators Jesse Solomon and Robert Napier in the process.
Senator Bryan Smith will head the Student Events and Organizations Committee while Senator William Roach takes over as CCA Chair.
Outgoing Student Trustee Heather Dawood said she had had a “wonderful few years,” and advised Student Trustee-elect Omar Bukhari to be “as involved and informed as possible,” expressing confidence in his ability to do a good job.
The incoming class of senators, new and old, were sworn in by Associate Chancellor Donna Smerlas.